April 27: Cllr. Nick Ridley replies to Michael Evans' letter (SFP April 22)

Michael Evans writing in defence of Stefan Kosciuszko (SFP April 22) continues to miss the point of where Babergh is at in its Local Development Framework process. Alongside his colleague, Mr Evans persists in repeating a highly selective and partial interpretation of what happened at Babergh’s recent Strategy Meeting.
 
Contrary to Mr Evans’ claims -  we are confusing nothing and there is certainly no ‘corrupt process’ in arriving at the draft Local Development Framework. There has been no councillor involvement in preparing this initial draft or indicating where development might take place. That is the work of the Council’s officers and I am sure all Babergh councillors of this authority will take offence at the use of such a term as corrupt process. Perhaps Mr Evans should give careful consideration as to how he can substantiate such a serious accusation?

All Babergh councillors recognise the rights of the public to defend what they regard as their interests and when the Local Development Framework consultation document is approved then full engagement with the public will take place – including via a number of roadshows around the district. It is insulting to suggest there is any predetermination at this stage of the process but officers have to put assumptions into the document to allow a meaningful consultation to follow.

This is a long process of consultation and decision making and the interests of all will be best served if emotive words and attempts to personalise the criticism are kept out of the arguments at this early stage.